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House of Saud and the Rise of Bedouin Islam

The rise of Najdi bedouins to conquer Arabia and become the chiefs, was foretold by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) 1400 years ago:

“when the naked, barefooted would become the chiefs of the people – these are some of the signs of (Doom). (Moreover) when the shepherds of the black (camels) would exult themselves in buildings, this is one of the signs of (Doom).” (Sahih Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0004)

“that you will find barefooted, destitute goat-herds vying with one another in the construction of magnificent buildings.” (Sahih Muslim, Book #001, Hadith #0001)

“when you see barefooted, naked, deaf and dumb (ignorant and foolish persons) as the rulers of the earth – that is one of the signs of the Doom. And when you see the shepherds of black camels exult in buildings – that is one of the signs of Doom.” (Sahih Muslim, Book#001, Hadith #0006)

This description of being “barefoot” and “naked” was more specifically used by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to describe the people of the Central Arabian Mudar tribe, as seen in the narration:

Mundhir b. Jarir reported on the authority of his father: While we were in the company of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) in the early hours of the morning, some people came there (who) were barefooted, naked, wearing striped woollen clothes, or cloaks, with their swords hung (around their necks). Most of them, nay, all of them, belonged to the tribe of Mudar. (Sahih Muslim, Book #005, Hadith #2219)

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ata narrated this hadith from ‘Abdullah ibn Buraydah and he said in it, “And that you see deaf, dumb, blind, barefoot shepherds of sheep competing with each other in building as if the kings of people.” He said, “So the man [Jibril] stood up and left, and we asked, ‘Messenger of Allah, who are these you describe?” He answered, “They are the Arabs.” This is how this hadith is narrated with these last words by ‘Ali ibn Zayd from Yahya ibn Ya’mar from Ibn ‘Umar.

Hence, a clear description emerges of the people being denoted by the prophecy.

The present day House of Saud rule of Arabia is a valid fulfillment of this prophecy. Muslims should take note of the description given in these narrations of them being “deaf and dumb”, and beware of those who portray the House of Saud and their bedouin oil funded Islam, as being the protectors or defenders of monotheism and “pure” Islam.

{The bedouins are stronger in disbelief and hypocrisy and more likely not to know the limits of what [laws] Allah has revealed to His Messenger. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.} [Quran 9:97]